Virtue and Fearlessness

Ruth 3:11 NKJVAnd now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.

Naomi and Ruth having left Moab and returned to Judah, the land of praise (see previous post), still undoubtedly concerned and fearful about what the future holds. Having no property, no immediate family, and no income, Naomi sends Ruth to the fields of an obscure relative to glean scraps of grain left by those harvesting the fields according to the law of gleanings to provide for the poor and strangers (Leviticus 19:9-10, 23:22). Ruth, a Moabites woman (who were despised by the Jews), humbled by circumstance and being a virtuous woman listens to Naomi and diligently works tirelessly to pick up enough pieces of grain to provide a tiny morsel of food for her beloved mother-in-law and herself.

Fear can lead many people to make decisions and do things that are against their usual character. It has led many honest people to lie, cheat, steal and even worse. Fear has led to many kind and sensitive people to doing horrible, brutal acts. But Ruth, though surely overwhelmed with fear, being taunted by local women, overcome with fear and pains of hunger, and afraid of being violated or killed by local servants in the field, maintained her virtue and integrity. Her character in the midst of her dire situation did not go unnoticed. For all the people of the town knew that she was a virtuous woman.

In another act of sincere love and obedience to Naomi, she avoided all would be suitors and instead showed only attention and kindness to Boaz whose field she had been working and in an act that could have been construed as a sexual advance instead of the innocent declaration of respect, gratitude, and admiration that it was, Boaz instructed Ruth, “…do not fear…. For, you are a virtuous woman.” Her character displayed her action in the right light. Her virtue and integrity were why she did not have to fear.

In life, you will not be able to control all of your circumstances. Sometimes things just happen. Sometimes to no fault of our own we find ourselves in situations fearing for our provision and the very lives of ourselves and our loved ones. You won’t be able to control all your circumstances all the time, but you can always control your attitudes and your actions. Be a person of integrity. Honor God with your virtue. Don’t lie, cheat, steal, cuss or pout, you’ve got nothing to worry about. If you’ll honor God with your attitude and character you don’t have anything to fear. Just like Ruth was exalted and redeemed, you have been redeemed by the Lord Jesus and He will see you through so FEAR NOT!

1Peter 5:6 NKJVTherefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,